Gallery: Nambour Chamber of Commerce Christmas party highlights community growth and volunteer efforts
The Nambour Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Party at The Namba on December 12, celebrating a year of community initiatives and recognising key contributors to local economic development.
Market operations and leadership recognition
Chamber President Mark Bray acknowledged the successful operation of the Nambour markets, thanking coordinators Keith and Jenny McKay for their ongoing management. The chamber initially obtained the market permit and appointed an experienced coordinator, but Keith and Jenny assumed responsibility when he had to step aside.
Special recognition was given to Liam, a young volunteer who began by helping transport equipment to the square and has since become instrumental in organising stallholders and promoting the markets through social media. Liam received a token of appreciation from the chamber for his exceptional contribution.
Weekly barbecue success
The chamber's weekly barbecue operation at the markets has become exceptionally popular, with volunteers Mark Bray, Brian Bugenhagen, and Tanya Outridge serving bacon and egg burgers. The initiative has proven so successful that customers have waited up to two hours for burgers, and regular patrons have expressed disappointment when the service is unavailable. The barbecue operation was praised for enhancing the market atmosphere and encouraging community participation.
Venue support
Chamber President Mark thanked Shane and the team at The Namba for providing meeting space and ongoing chamber support, noting the importance of thriving central businesses to community success.
Julie Smedley received special recognition for organising the Christmas party event, including venue coordination, speakers, and logistics.
2025 leadership
Following the recent Annual General Meeting, the chamber board remains largely unchanged for 2025, with Kylie Limpus joining as treasurer being the only modification. The chamber emphasised the importance of membership support and acknowledged various community contributors working across businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
Community garden initiative expands
Racheal Pascoe updated everyone on the Nambour Grown community garden project which is seeking local business sponsorship for its 36 garden beds at $100 per bed. Half of the beds have been sponsored in recent weeks, with funds covering seeds, seedlings, mulch, poly pipe and netting. The initiative, supported by year-round volunteers working Thursdays and Sunday afternoons, has progressed to the point where organisers plan to support local kitchens that provide food for needy people in 2025. The project maintains a Facebook page under "Nambour Grown".
The evening concluded with recognition of the broad community commitment to Nambour and the hinterland region. President Mark Bray expressed optimism for continued growth and collaboration in 2026.
